Cambodian Lanmark 6D/5N - Cambodia

Inclusions:

• Overnight accommodation with daily breakfast.
• Transfers and transportation on tour.
• Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides.
• Entrance fees.
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/water).
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days.

Exclusions:

• Airport Assistance Service.
• Separate luggage truck.
• Cambodia visa.
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners.
• Air Fare
• Travel Insurance
• Tips and gratuities.
• Hotel early check in/Late check-out.
• Other services not listed in inclusions.

Upon arrival, when you leave the airport terminal please look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with your name. Please refer to the Pre-departure document which will be sent upon confirmation for specific details and a photo of the welcome signboard. Transfer to your hotel.

The regular check-in time is at 1400; early check-in is not included and subject to availability

Phnom Penh is a fascinating city. Once the Pearl of Asia thanks to its, Royal family, Angkorian past and a rich blend of Khmer and colonial architecture. After the Khmer Rouge, the city was left a shadow of its former self. Now, due to a strong dynamic youth and growing economy, the city is growing and changing every day. Dive into the past of Phnom Penh and discover the major points of interest in town. 

Start your day at Wat Phnom and discover the legend of Lady Penh, then head to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. Other important buildings found within the compound include WatPreahKeoMorokat, where Royal ceremonies are performed, and stupas such as King AngDoung Stupa - the burial site of former King Norodom. Continue your visit to the National Museum, designed in Khmer style by a French archaeologist and painter in 1917. The museum houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history. Lunch at Friends Restaurant - a leading social enterprise and training restaurant cooking excellent creative Khmer Cuisine.

This afternoon, learn more about the turbulent Khmer Rouge years and start by visiting TuolSleng. A high school prior to 1975, it became an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era and today it is a genocide museum. It tells the sad story of the thousands of innocent Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds. Then head to Cheung Ek (Killing Fields). Situated 17km from Phnom Penh, Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. A large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. This journey into Cambodia’s past will provide you with a background on the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. It will also give you an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation. After this emotional afternoon, return to your hotel. We suggest you relax and go and experience one of the many restaurants, cafes, shops or bars in town. 

Notes:

• Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are open from 08:00 to 10:30 and 14:00 to 17:00 but are subject to closure at short notice in the event of official ceremonies. If the sites are closed, the guide will make changes to the itinerary on the day.
• Women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should cover their knees.
• A respectful and humble demeanour is requested when visiting ToulSleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields

Transfer to the airport for flight toSiem Reap. On arrival, welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel.
The regular check-in time is at 1400; early check-in is not included and subject to availability 

Visit theRoulous temple group. The ruins of Roulous are among the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the 9th century reign of King Indravarman I. Witness the evolution of these magnificent temples from the early days of the Khmer empire up to its peak with the Angkor temples in the 13th century. There are three key Hindu structures that remain at Roulous; Lolei, Bakong and PreahKo, which were all part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. You will peacefully explore the temples and soak up the local atmosphere away from the crowds. Walk a total distance of 3 kilometres from one temple to another and meet local friendly villagers on the way. Transfer back to Siem Reap town.

Notes:
•    Availability: Afternoon
•    Suggested time: 13:30
•    Sun protection is recommended
•    Duration: 4-6 hours.

Visit to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. Continue for BanteaySrei temple, the only major temple that was not built by a monarch. It was constructed in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. BanteaySrei translates to “Citadel of the Women” and is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. After a refreshing drink (own arrangements) at PrasatBanteaySrei Restaurant, head to the BanteaySrey Butterfly Center, an interactive butterfly farm nestled in a luxurious tropical garden. Finish with a visit to the Cambodia Landmine Museum, a dive into the turbulent past of the country. Opened in 1999, it is home to a large number of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and shows maps and videos of demining activities. Learn more about the stories that can be confronting but important in understanding Cambodia’s recent history. Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside. Then transfer back to town.

Notes:
•    Availability: Morning
•    Suggested time: 08:00
•    Duration: 9 hours

Today, discover the wonders of Angkor outside of Angkor Thom’s walls and be amazed by some of the most beautiful masterpieces of the area. Start your day at PrasatKravan, small temple located west of Angkor Wat and hiding in its heart bold and refined sculptures dedicated to Vishnu. Then head to BanteayKdei, less visited than the others and yet very impressive. Spot the rare Buddha statue that survived Jayavarman VIII’s Hindu reaction and lose yourself in this peaceful compound. For the last visit this morning, enjoy a drive across the jungle to arrive at Ta Keo. A massive five-layered mountain temple of 22 metres high that might have been one of the greatest of all at its time (11th century) but which remained incomplete. After this rich and fascinating morning, enjoy your lunch at Batchum restaurant. Located in the Angkor countryside, near PrasatBatchum temple, take a rest and savour tasty and simple Khmer cuisine before going back for exploration. 

Leave Batchum via SraSrang village area and Baray and prepare to visit 4 of the most quiet and peaceful temples on this Angkor Grand tour. Start with Preah Khan, located north of Angkor Thom, it is an impressive 56 hectares complex, built at the very end of the 12th century after Jayavarman VII’s victory over the Cham King. Take your time to visit but be ready to walk as it is almost 1 kilometre long to walk the length of the entire structure to end up with a stunning view on the Baray. Then head to NeakPean, small Buddhist temple in the middle of Preah Khan Baray, its main peculiarity is its entwined Naga statue and how this place is still holy for Khmers nowadays. Continue to the nearby Ta Som and spot the monumental strangler fig tree on the East Gopura of the outer, third enclosure, it worth the exploration in itself. Enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the place before heading for the last temple of the day where you will enjoy the sunset: Pre Rup is Brick made, 12 metres high and gives you the opportunity to overlook the countryside all around you, it is the perfect place to finish your day.

Notes:
•    Suggested time: 08:00
•    Duration: 8 hours
•    Please dress appropriately as you will visit sacred temples, respect local customs
•    Protection from both the sun and insects is advised

Free at leisure till transfer to the airport for departure flight. The regular check-out time is at 1200. Late check-out is not included and subject to availability  

End of services.